DoH: Road crash injuries hit 1,113

The total number of road crash injuries recorded by the Department of Health (DoH) from 21 December to 2 January reached 1,113, the agency said.

The figure is nearly 82 percent higher than the number recorded during the same period last year.

Of the total cases, 508, or almost 50 percent, involved young people aged 15 to 29.

The DoH also reported that 965 cases, or nearly 87 percent, involved individuals who were not using safety accessories such as helmets and seat belts.

Seven people died in separate road crash incidents during the period. Of these, four were aged 16 to 26, while six of the fatalities involved motorcycles, including one pedestrian.

To help prevent road crashes, the DoH advised the public to wear Department of Trade and Industry-approved helmets when riding motorcycles and to use seat belts when driving four-wheel vehicles.

The agency also reminded motorists to avoid driving while exhausted or under the influence of alcohol, observe speed limits and road signs, and ensure they get seven to eight hours of sleep before driving.